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A fascinating article in The Nation about how the wealthy elite in the US have been getting richer while reducing their taxation over the last 20 years. The top 1 percent of Americans earn 22.1 percent of the nation’s income. 22 PERCENT!!!! Over a fifth of the incomes is earned by 1 percent of the people. Why aren’t people taking to the streets and rioting? My guess – because the media has turned them into pacified sheep. We’ve been taught not to cause trouble, not to try to change things outside of voting inside of a corrupt system controlled by the wealthy elite.BTW, I heard this quote in a terrific recent podcast by Bill Moyers where he interviews David Simon, creator of THE WIRE, probably the smartest television drama ever produced. It’s a commentary on the state of ‘the system’ in America (and we’re not that different). You should listen to this show: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/04172009/profile.html
And, of course, if you haven’t seen The Wire, make it a priority. It’s truly brilliant, insightful drama.
“My guess – because the media has turned them into pacified sheep.”
Someone who claims to be so intelligent and widely-read should be able to do better than this 🙂
Paul Graham has some worthwhile thoughts on this topic:
http://www.paulgraham.com/gap.html
Actually the guess isn’t dumb at all!
and also…… hmm I don’t think Paul graham has any worthwhile thoughts about economics.